Category

Volto

Sad news this morning in that it appears Volto! and Pigmy Love Circus guitarist John Z has recently suffered from a serious stroke. My understanding of the US Medical system, is that it’s mostly a joke, so financially John appears to be under much strain. A Gofundme account has been set up, and I’d encourage those with a few spare dollars to send some his way.

John “Johnny Z” Ziegler is a very well-respected and adored guitarist/musician in the Los Angeles music community and beyond. A dedicated player and sought after instructor, he is known for his band Volto!, as well as the groups Pygmy Love Circus and Zime – and of course as the ringleader of the Monday Night Jamz at the legendary Baked Potato Jazz Club for the past 12+ years.

On July 16th, 2017, John suffered a devastating stroke while alone in his home. In distress for an indeterminate amount of time, he was eventually able to reach his phone and signal for help. Paramedics arrived soon thereafter and transported him to Glendale Adventist Medical Center.

The stroke has affected John’s speech, vision, and entire right side of his body. While tests are ongoing to uncover the extent of any further damage, the doctors and therapists are optimistic he can regain function. Those that know him will be happy to hear John’s larger than life personality still shines bright, with his humor and signature charm very much intact. However, there is a lot of uncertainty ahead in his long road to recovery.

Due to this life-altering event, John is unable to perform and therefore support himself. He is in dire need of assistance to get him through this tough time that will undoubtedly require lengthy physical therapy to regain his playing ability.

John’s immediate family lives in Texas, and are communicating with doctors to determine the best course of action. Meanwhile, the expenses are overwhelming, and will continue to mount. Any support you are able to provide will help give John the best shot at recovery and alleviate the increasing financial strain he and his family are under. Thank you for your help in getting Brother John Z back on stage where he belongs.

While we sit and wait patiently/impatiently for some kind of Tool news (possibly even tour dates, though that seems to appear more unlikely each passing day), I can update you on a coming Volto! show at the Mint on September 5th. No baked potatoes will be available at this show, however I’m sure the beer will be cold and the music soothing to ones ears. If you’re in Los Angeles and looking for a good night out, then check them out.

While there, bug Danny about the Tool shows. I expect if you buy him enough beer the truth can be uncovered…

Blair posted several updates to Toolband/Army today. The first lot where a bunch of pictures from the recent Pigmy Love Circus gig. Some nice work there with several shots take by Danny‘s girlfriend Rynne. Toolarmy members get a close up of Danny in action.

Also mentioned is that there is a Volto! gig coming up on Friday the 6th of March at the Knitting Factory in Hollywood. Blair mentions it will be the last Volto! gig for a while:

as certain band members might be busy with other projects in the months ahead.

Firstly Volto! (featuring Danny)are playing on the 21st of August at the Baked Potato. Check them out if you’re in LA.

Secondly Blair posted a somewhat cryptic message accompanied by a picture of a smashed laptop courtesy of Maynard. Despite the message to not speculate, I’ve been wondering for some time if the Tool website, and or Toolarmy are due for an update. Perhaps the smashed PC is a hidden message.

According to a recent post by Blair on Toolband/Army, Danny‘s hand is more or less healed and he will be playing with Volto! in July. Even better news is that “he’s that much closer to getting back to jamming with his day-job band”.

According to a recent post on Toolband/ArmyVolto! will be hosting a NAMM party at the Knitting Factory on Thursday the 17th of January. Buy you’re tickets in advance since Volto! usually sells out.

For those that don’t know, NAMM is the National Association of Music Merchants conference, and usually frequented by most major musical instrument companies and their endorsees. Expect to see a whole range of new instruments displayed, as well as signing sessions with famous users. Danny has appeared there in the past, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he’ll be there this year too.

Just a couple of snippets of news from Toolband/Army. As well as wishing happy birthday to Minsun, and reminding us of a VOLTO! show on Friday the 19th of October, Blair tells us that Danny has had some followup surgery on his arm. From the tone of the post it doesn’t sound like anything too serious, but we all hope there are no further complications regardless.

They also remind us that Butcher are playing at the Knitting Factory on Tuesday the 16th of October, and that they go on stage at 8pm. Don’t leave it too late!